I appreciate Desiree for her empathetic approach to therapy. Being able to speak honestly about my grief has been "freeing".
Desiree Alvarado, LCSW
Experienced mental health professional
Provides online counseling through BetterHelp
At a glance
Desiree is an experienced, licensed Mental Health Professional who specializes in affordable online therapy offered through our partner, BetterHelp.
- 4.5 stars
- Clients are very satisfied with Desiree. View 2 reviews
- Speaks English
- Offers Telehealth visits
- Licensed in California and Texas
Recent reviews
Desiree Alvarado is supportive and has practical and applicable advice to give. She gives me just the right articles to read and worksheets to effectively help me uncover hidden elements of my disorganized psyche. I really enjoy working with her.
More about Desiree
- 3 years' experience
- Female
- LCSW
I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the states of California and Texas. I have more than 10 years of combined professional experience working in child welfare and abuse, domestic violence, mental health court programs, substance use disorders and complex trauma. As well as working with law enforcement/first responders.
*EMDR trained therapist
*Certification in Domestic Violence Peer Counseling and Advocacy *Certification in Child forensic Interviewing
*Currently working on a Drug and Alcohol Counselor Certification
I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I work within a client centered focus forum and frequently utilize cognitive behavioral therapy. My focus is to help you unravel those thoughts/behaviors that create negative responses in your life and guide you through developing realistic tools that will yield a positive outcome, whatever that may look like to you.
I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I believe in establishing rapport and trust with my clients, so they are able to feel as open as needed to unpack things that hinder you from being your best self. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support and guide you through that process.
Specialties
Stress
Anxiety
Addictions
Trauma and abuse
Self esteem
Depression
Relationship issues
Grief
Intimacy-related issues
Parenting issues
Anger management
Career difficulties
Bipolar disorder
Coping with life changes
Compassion fatigue
Attachment issues
Codependency
Communication problems
Control issues
Domestic violence
Drug and alcohol addiction
First responder issues
Forgiveness
Guilt and shame
Impulsivity
Isolation / loneliness
Mood disorders
Panic disorder and panic attacks
Paranoia
Personality disorders
Phobias
Post-traumatic stress
Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)
Self-love
Social anxiety and phobia
Treatment Approaches
- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Mindfulness Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
- Solution-Focused Therapy
- Trauma-Focused Therapy
Licenses
Desiree Alvarado's National Provider Identifier (NPI) is 1750058905.
- LCSW · California · 101338 · Expires April 2025
- LCSW · Texas · 112461 · Expires February 2026
About online counseling
- Affordable.
- Pay a low flat fee.
- Convenient.
- Do it at your own time and at your own pace. Communicate whenever you feel it's needed.
- Available now.
- There is no waiting list and no calls to make. Simply fill out a short questionnaire and send your first message.
Online counseling allows you to receive care from a mental health practitioner via phone, video chat, or instant messaging. It is convenient for those who may have trouble getting to or would prefer not to have in-person therapy appointments. Starting at $65 per week, online counseling is generally more affordable than in-person counseling. A study by researchers at University of California, Berkeley found that online counseling can be just as effective as face-to-face therapy while being more convenient, affordable, and accessible.
Reviews for Desiree Alvarado
All reviews have been submitted by clients after seeing the provider.
Overall rating:
I appreciate Desiree for her empathetic approach to therapy. Being able to speak honestly about my grief has been "freeing".
Desiree Alvarado is supportive and has practical and applicable advice to give. She gives me just the right articles to read and worksheets to effectively help me uncover hidden elements of my disorganized psyche. I really enjoy working with her.
Frequently asked questions
Does Desiree Alvarado offer telehealth visits?
Yes. Desiree Alvarado works with clients by exchanging messages, chatting live, speaking over the phone, or video conferencing based on what works for the client at that particular time.
What language(s) does Desiree Alvarado speak?
Desiree Alvarado speaks English.
How many years of experience does Desiree Alvarado have?
Desiree Alvarado has 3 years of experience.
Where is Desiree Alvarado licensed to practice?
Desiree Alvarado is licensed to practice in California and Texas.
Does Desiree Alvarado accept clients outside of the United States?
No, Desiree Alvarado does not accept clients outside of the United States.
Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?
Numerous studies support the effectiveness of online platforms in facilitating life changes. For instance, research published by JMIR Publications, conducted by teams from the University of Berkeley, UCSF, and SF General Hospital, found that "users of BetterHelp experienced significantly reduced depression symptom severity after engaging with the platform."
What treatment approaches does Desiree Alvarado offer?
Desiree Alvarado offers clients Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Therapy.
How can I communicate with Desiree Alvarado?
Desiree Alvarado can be engaged in any one of four ways: (1) Exchanging messages, (2) chatting live, (3) speaking over the phone, or (4) video conferencing. You can use different ways at different times as you wish, based on your needs, availability, and convenience.
How do I get started with Desiree Alvarado?
Just tap the CHAT NOW button or tap here: A new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation. Please note: It can take up to a few days to be matched to a therapist.
Mental health conditions are real, common, and treatable.
And recovery is possible.
When you tap CHAT NOW a new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation. Please note: It can take up to a few days to be matched to a therapist.